Corvallis, OR (Sports Network) - Behind a career-high 33 points from Ahmad Starks, the Oregon State Beavers were able to take down the New Mexico State Aggies, 71-62, in regional round action of the 2K Sports Classic at Gill Coliseum.

Starks shot 11-of-21 from the floor for the Beavers (2-0) while adding five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Joe Burton scored 13 points and Eric Moreland grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots.

For NMSU (0-1), Tyrone Watson and Daniel Mullings each tallied 14 points, and Bandja Sy chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Oregon State shot a lofty 55.2 percent from the field in the first half as it got out to a 41-30 halftime lead.

The Beavers kept a double-digit lead for most of the second half until the Aggies cut the deficit to just six, 68-62, with less than a minute remaining. NMSU missed its final three shots of the game however, as Oregon State held on for the win.